Campeonato Paulista: Santos crowned champions

Santos have won the Campeonato Paulista after a 2-1 second-leg victory over Corinthians on Sunday.

After the first leg between two of the powerhouses of Brazilian football ended in a goalless draw, Santos had the advantage in the second by playing in front of their own supporters at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira.

Muricy Ramalho’s side skipped into an early lead when Arouca hit the back of the net with just 16 minutes on the clock.

It forced the visitors into a change, with Morais replaced Bruno Cesar as Corinthians searched for goals.

The move added an extra dimension to Corinthians attack but even with Portugal striker Liedson – who has netted 11 goals for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January – Tite’s side struggled to find a way past a stubborn Santos defence.

As the match entered the last 10 minutes, the desperate visitors were caught stretched at the back and paid the price as Chelsea and Barcelona transfer target Neymar netted what looked to be the winner.

Corinthians gave themselves brief hope when Morais scored with just four minutes to play, but time was their enemy as Santos went on to celebrate their 19th Paulista title and second in succession.